BY SONAM MIRPURIARTESIA, CA - Growing up in and around a clothing store her whole life, Heeral Harikrishna Metha, 26,debated between doing something different or going into the family business. Upon much consideration and support from her family, Mehta decided that opening her own Indian clothing store was the best choice for her.

“Nothing else feels as satisfying. I am me when I do the store,” said Mehta. Sari Palace located in ‘Little India’ on Pioneer Blvd. here was opened by Mehta and her husband, Harikrishna Mehta, 30, on July 23. Heeral and her husband co-own and co-run the business. “I run the retail aspect and my husband takes care of all the legal and financial aspects,” said Heeral .Being in ‘Little India,’ there is an abundance of options for Indian clothing on Pioneer Blvd. Sari Palace carries a wide variety of merchandise: men’s, women’s, children’s clothing as well as fabric. Saris, lenghas, and anarkalis for women as well as sherwanis, jodhpuris, and kurta pajamas for men to name a few of the wide range of garments.. Sari Palace has an interesting technique of distinguishing themselves from their competitors here.“We can make and customize everything, whether that is clothing or jewelry. We also carry a large inventory and cover all price ranges,” said Heeral.This Southern California location of Sari Palace is the second of its kind. The original Sari Palace opened in San Francisco’s East Bay, more specifically Berkeley, in 1987. It was founded by Heeral parents, Anil and Asha Thakkar. Prior to opening her own store, Heeral debated about attending law school to pursue a career in law. In the end, she determined that carrying on in her parents footsteps was an excellent option for her. Surrounded by the generous support of her parents, husband, and in laws, Heeral felt the confidence she needed in order to open the Southern California location of Sari Palace. “My husband and parents are the biggest contributors to this achievement in my life and without them this would not be possible, especially at such a young age…surrounded by supportive family, including my in laws,” said Heeral. To inspire an original outfit created by you and Heeral go to Sari Palace located at 18619 Pioneer Blvd, Artesia, CA -90701 or the original location where her parents started it off at 1000 University Avenue, Berkeley, CA -94710. ​